This is three weeks now that I haven’t played a single game, and by far the longest break. I did buy Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced so I might play that, but eh. I think I’m going to go to the comic store today and find some back issues from series I’ve been missing.
I’ve still yet to play anything. This is the longest I’ve gone without playing something and I’m surprisingly not missing it. At the moment I’m deeply consumed by my hobbies of collecting comic books and writing. Maybe when Assassin’s Creed Black Flag releases I will jump back into the gaming world, but we will see.
Metroid Dread is probably my favorite 2D Metroid, and I would love more of that. Either way, I’m looking forward to whatever is coming, as long as it’s not a cart racer or pinball.
This weekend I am not playing much. In fact, I’m getting back into my other hobbies I’ve neglected: writing and comic books, and sometimes a mixture of both together. The majority of the time my main source of entertainment is gaming, but it’s interesting how time consuming it really is. It becomes quite easy to lose hours on your day to the medium and ignore other interests.
With that said, what I have been playing periodically is Devil May Cry 5 on the Nintendo Switch 2. I would say it’s my first time, but that’s not entirely accurate. I played the game on its original release but I didn’t like it. Playing as Nero in the beginning felt clunky due to his missing arm. Because of that, I stopped within an hour and never looked back.
And then it releases on the Switch 2, and I’m a big handheld gamer — that’s how I prefer to play it if I can — so I decided to give it another shot. I’m now a few hours in, and though I still find it cumbersome, particularly with its lock-on mechanics, I have grown to enjoy it more than I remembered.
That’s about it for me. I’m not sure how long this re-establishment of old hobbies will last, but I’m immersed in it, and actually feel happy for a change.
DD2 is arguably in my top five games of all time. This expansion looks great, and the additional skill slots are a huge plus. I’m looking forward to getting lost back in this world again.
I might pick this up when it’s on sale. It sounds great, and whilst it has replayability, the game still seems way too short with only a few variations to mix things up.
Seeing as I only play my Switch 1 & 2 handheld only unless it’s a new mainline Zelda game, it sounds like it performs pretty well, albeit some caveats. I’m looking forward to checking this one out when it releases.
This will be a day one purchase if true which I suspect it is considering the other Diablo games on the Switch. Hopefully, we will get a proper announcement soon.
Last Sunday I got the platinum for 007 First Light. While I [patiently] waited for The Adventures of Elliot to release, I was hankering for an RPG to play. I decided to replay The Witcher 3 for the fifth time, this instance being on Nintendo Switch 2.
I want to apologize to Elliot — you’re going to have to wait much longer to be played. I’m once again absorbed into this brutal, yet gorgeous Continent. Being able to take this adventure on the go is a godsend, and feels tailor made for that type of experience.
It’s also much better than I remembered; it ages like fine wine. There isn’t much more that can be said about this game that hasn’t been said before over the last 13 years. The writing is top notch, the characters are compelling, the main and side missions are some of the most in-depth, multilayered quests I’ve ever experienced, and exploration is consistently rewarding.
In short, this game is a bonafide masterpiece in every facet. Thirteen years later it still stands above most games today. Before Red Dead Redemption 2 and Elden Ring there was The Witcher 3. And thank God for that.
It sounds like a great game, but after reading multiple reviews I have decided that this is a “wait for a sale” game for me personally. I’m looking forward to playing it when the time comes.
This is what I kind of expected the game to be which is a good thing. The performance issues don’t concern me much. That said, I’m debating on the Switch 2 version, or the PS5. It sounds like the latter for the overall performance, and I do like my trophies.
6 years later, and I still think this article is relevant and correct. I’m replaying it now for the 4th or 5th time and it still feels like a vastly different experience each time.
This is my favorite Tomb Raider game not only in the modern trilogy, but the entire franchise as a whole. I thought it captured the essence of what TR is, and then made it something more. I’ll probably pick this up on the Switch 2 despite beating the game multiple times over on PS and Xbox.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is one of my favorite games of all time, and especially this generation. Having this on the Switch 2 is a dream come true for me — it looks excellent.
I wish this wasn’t at the end of the show since there was no snippet of gameplay. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great ender, but not much can be gleaned. I figured with a 2026 release date they would show some footage. I’m sure we will get a direct solely for this game soon, though.
I would like to see more ports make there way over. First and foremost, Metaphor ReFantazio. Then Silent Hill 2, Dragon’s Dogma 2, Stellar Blade, and Claire Obscur.
Other than that, I’d like to see more gameplay from the new Fire Emblem, along with a release date. Perhaps a new Xenoblade game. And, of course, a new 3D Mario game.
I think we will see OOT remake, but not much else Zelda wise. I’ve given up hope of a Twilight Princess remaster. One game I would LOVE to see even though it won’t happen, at least any time soon, is Baldur’s Gate 3. I know we got news last year saying it’s unlikely, but man, I would love to have that game portably.
I finally got 100% in LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. It was excellent and immersive. The Riddler and Cluemaster puzzles were a grind. I’m glad the game is over. That said, it has gotten me back into the world of comics, and now I’m reading several Batman stories.
I also finished Mina the Hollower. After some reflection, I consider it better than Shovel Knight which is no easy task. It’s easily one of the most charming Zelda-likes I’ve ever played. The amount of secrets to uncover, from hidden bosses, new locations, additional weapons, trinkets and more, each frame features something unique if you pay attention.
The comparison to Bloodborne is hard to understand. If it’s referring to difficulty, then maybe there is an argument for that. However, if we are going to compare it to a FromSoft game then I think Elden Ring is the appropriate choice. There are several subtle nods and (secrets?) moments in Mina that are reminiscent of various secrets in ER.
And now, according to the developers, many people are missing out on approximately 50% of the game. I have an item that tracks your collectibles per location, but I’m really intrigued if there is even more to unearth if you experiment.
I now have 007 First Light on the docket, but I’m not entirely in the mood to play it at the moment. In the same vein, however, I downloaded Hitman: Blood Money on the Nintendo Switch 2. It’s one of the rare games in the franchise that I haven’t played. I’m not very far, but what I’ve played has been fun, albeit archaic in its mechanics. Nonetheless, that’s sort of to be expected. And with the announcement of the original trilogy being remastered, I’m even more enthralled to be immersed in this world of Agent 47.
@UltimateOtaku91 Probably “trust me, bro”. There is no way Switch 2 can’t run Lego Batman with all of its content. It’s not that demanding, particularly when you have Cyberpunk 2077 and Rebirth out running well.
It sounds like a real success on the Switch 2. I’m not too worried about graphical and technical issues because it seems to hold up well. I’ll definitely be playing this tomorrow on the go.
Once I can pull myself away from Mina the Hollower and LRGO Batman Legacy of the Dark Knight, I will be jumping into Rebirth. I loved it when it came on the PS5, but I’ve been itching for a replay.
@Lucius6 That’s subjective. I think it’s excellent, and so do many others. It has the perfect blend of turn based and hack and slash. It does it really well, I think.
I finished the main campaign in LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. It was fantastic from start to finish. I’m now slowly grinding and chipping away at the remaining collectibles to get 100%. I play for maybe 30-minutes a day to mop them up.
But what I want to really talk about most is Mina the Hollower, my most anticipated game in the last three years. I ignored reading reviews (though I did see the scores), only watched the first reveal trailer, and went in completely blind. Boy, my expectations were met and more.
I’m a few hours in, a couple of dungeons and bosses down, and I feel as if I’m only scratching the surface as to what this game actually **is**. It’s the perfect blend of 2D Zelda titles, and Soulslike difficulty. The checkpoints can be unforgiving, and if you die you lose your “bones” unless you collect them back after your death. This may turn people away — understandably, might I add — and it caught me off guard.
If you are willing, there are a ton of modifiers to help make the game easier. Some of these options don’t feel like cheating, or making your playthrough feel less than. For example, you can turn on the ability to heal faster.
The moment to moment gameplay feels fantastic, as does the handful of weapons. I’ve tinkered around with a few and settled on the hammer, but I do enjoy the Castlevania-esque whip. The RPG-lite elements are a nice touch, too. Leveling up your weapons, gear, and other trinkets creates a layer of depth that has tons of options for unique builds.
Meanwhile, exploration is consistently rewarding. Being a mouse and using its abilities such as burrowing is such a fun element to incorporate not only in its combat, but exploration. I’ve discovered numerous of secrets so far, some of obvious, while others are challenging. Mina has that rare feat where when you uncover a secret you feel as if you’re the first person to do so.
As mentioned, I’m only a few hours in so I can’t really go in depth with an analysis of the game. With what I have experienced so far, I can say it’s shaping up to be my GOTY. Whether or not that will change the further I progress is to be determined. But right now, I can confidently say Yacht Club has burrowed it out of the park again.
Hell yes! Awesome review! I’ll be picking this up as soon as possible. It’s been one of my most anticipated games for years and I’m glad to see it delivers.
I’m playing LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. I was hesitant on buying this game. My usual experience goes as follows: one half of my brain tells me to buy [these games] because it sounds fun whilst the other half says I won’t play for that long and move on to something else. Of course, I buy them and lose interest within thirty minutes.
Here I am again, being irrational with my purchase. Miraculously, my experience has been drastically different from prior experiences. I quite literally can’t stop playing. I’ve put in 15 hours already.
The first thing that stood out to me and has yet to falter is how charming the game is, not only from its game world, but the characters and their animations. I have genuinely laughed multiple times throughout my experience. It has brought out my inner kid, and makes me realize games are meant to be fun and entertaining, not always about trophies and achievements.
Gotham City itself is a story all on its own. It’s a gorgeous world to explore, and trust me, it’s massive. There are a myriad of random activities to partake in—stopping crime, of course, solving Riddler puzzles (some are actually challenging), tracking down zoo animals that have been running amok, racing trials, and a lot more.
You can also go to your Batcave at any point in time. Here you can upgrade your hideout and expand its capabilities. You’ll be able to buy nearly every iteration of the Batmobile, but also vehicles used by other characters in the bat-verse. You can upgrade your arsenal, cash in on completed challenges, open up a shop where you can buy various items for your hideout. You can also buy or unlock over 100 costumes for your character(s), paying homage to its illustrious history.
Speaking of paying its respect to its long standing history, this game is essentially a collection of the Nolan universe, and follows that trilogy. However, it takes its own liberties and remixes things to add much more fun nuances. I was initially surprised, but it’s been a welcome addition.
Of course, you can’t mention Batman without synonymously mentioning combat and detective work. I’m thrilled to report that both are a main focus, and are very fun. It’s essentially the Arkham games in a LEGO skin. The combat is free flowing and works well in each environment you’re fighting in. You will also use various tools at your disposal to unlock new areas, track down suspects, and get the advantage on your enemies. The only downside is that combat can be trivially easy. It basically becomes a button mash romp, and it can get repetitive quickly. Nonetheless, the game still manages to be fun amidst its own monotony which is a huge compliment.
Ultimately, if you are a fan of the Arkham trilogy then you should feel right at home with this entry. It is essentially a new entry in that universe, but in a LEGO skin. Yes, it’s still a “kid’s” game, but it’s much more than that. Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is not only a great Batman game, but a great game in general that should be played by a wide audience. This Batman symbol shines bright.
I forgot this was releasing soon! Great review, though I disagree about the story losing its momentum. Regardless, I’m glad to see it’s a pretty solid port. I’m looking forward to playing this.
I’ve been playing on my Series X and haven’t had an issue. This game is truly great, and fun. It’s the only LEGO game that has ever held my attention longer than ten minutes. I’m looking forward to 100%’ing it. I may double dip for the Switch 2 if it performs well on the console.
I think this may be a good idea. Mina may not have the amount of eyes that Silksong had, but it’s still a hotly anticipated game from a renowned developer even if they only have one true game. And from all the previews, it’s apparent Mina will live up to the hype.
I’m wrapping up my first playthrough of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. It’s still an excellent sequel. I’m excited to see what the third installment entails. However, I am kind of pissed, because the game is buggy as hell. If you’re hunting down achievements/trophies, it can be a real nuisance.
Other than that, I’ve been contemplating buying an Xbox ROG Ally X, the $550.00 version. I have been doing my research, and the Xbox Play Anywhere is very compelling. The list of games that I own or am interested in is part of this feature. I really like the idea of taking my achievements on the go. But man, that price is really damaging; ha-ha. I hear it’s an incredible device and worth the money.
I’m playing Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (Xbox Series X). It’s been a fantastic experience, and one of the rare Star Wars stories that is genuinely great. I’m working on getting all achievements—by this time 007 First Light and Mina The Hollower should be released.
Comments 874
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (11th July)
This is three weeks now that I haven’t played a single game, and by far the longest break. I did buy Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced so I might play that, but eh. I think I’m going to go to the comic store today and find some back issues from series I’ve been missing.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (4th July)
I’ve still yet to play anything. This is the longest I’ve gone without playing something and I’m surprisingly not missing it. At the moment I’m deeply consumed by my hobbies of collecting comic books and writing. Maybe when Assassin’s Creed Black Flag releases I will jump back into the gaming world, but we will see.
Re: Rumour: Metroid Ravenous Might Not Be The Only Metroid Project In The Pipeline
Metroid Dread is probably my favorite 2D Metroid, and I would love more of that. Either way, I’m looking forward to whatever is coming, as long as it’s not a cart racer or pinball.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (27th June)
This weekend I am not playing much. In fact, I’m getting back into my other hobbies I’ve neglected: writing and comic books, and sometimes a mixture of both together. The majority of the time my main source of entertainment is gaming, but it’s interesting how time consuming it really is. It becomes quite easy to lose hours on your day to the medium and ignore other interests.
With that said, what I have been playing periodically is Devil May Cry 5 on the Nintendo Switch 2. I would say it’s my first time, but that’s not entirely accurate. I played the game on its original release but I didn’t like it. Playing as Nero in the beginning felt clunky due to his missing arm. Because of that, I stopped within an hour and never looked back.
And then it releases on the Switch 2, and I’m a big handheld gamer — that’s how I prefer to play it if I can — so I decided to give it another shot. I’m now a few hours in, and though I still find it cumbersome, particularly with its lock-on mechanics, I have grown to enjoy it more than I remembered.
That’s about it for me. I’m not sure how long this re-establishment of old hobbies will last, but I’m immersed in it, and actually feel happy for a change.
Re: Video: Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen Expansion New Gameplay Overview
DD2 is arguably in my top five games of all time. This expansion looks great, and the additional skill slots are a huge plus. I’m looking forward to getting lost back in this world again.
Re: Review: Star Fox (Switch 2) - Stays On The Rails, But Absolutely Hits The Target
I might pick this up when it’s on sale. It sounds great, and whilst it has replayability, the game still seems way too short with only a few variations to mix things up.
Re: UK Charts: The Adventures Of Elliot Makes An Impressive Debut, But Can't Trouble The Podium
It’s sold relatively well all things considered. I bought my digital copy and am enjoying it quite a bit.
Re: Review: Devil May Cry 5 Devil Hunter Edition (Switch 2) - Not Definitive, But Another Great Capcom Port
Seeing as I only play my Switch 1 & 2 handheld only unless it’s a new mainline Zelda game, it sounds like it performs pretty well, albeit some caveats. I’m looking forward to checking this one out when it releases.
Re: Diablo 4: Lord Of Hatred Has Been Rated For Switch 2 In Taiwan
This will be a day one purchase if true which I suspect it is considering the other Diablo games on the Switch. Hopefully, we will get a proper announcement soon.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (20th June)
Last Sunday I got the platinum for 007 First Light. While I [patiently] waited for The Adventures of Elliot to release, I was hankering for an RPG to play. I decided to replay The Witcher 3 for the fifth time, this instance being on Nintendo Switch 2.
I want to apologize to Elliot — you’re going to have to wait much longer to be played. I’m once again absorbed into this brutal, yet gorgeous Continent. Being able to take this adventure on the go is a godsend, and feels tailor made for that type of experience.
It’s also much better than I remembered; it ages like fine wine. There isn’t much more that can be said about this game that hasn’t been said before over the last 13 years. The writing is top notch, the characters are compelling, the main and side missions are some of the most in-depth, multilayered quests I’ve ever experienced, and exploration is consistently rewarding.
In short, this game is a bonafide masterpiece in every facet. Thirteen years later it still stands above most games today. Before Red Dead Redemption 2 and Elden Ring there was The Witcher 3. And thank God for that.
Re: Round Up: The Reviews Are In For The Adventures Of Elliot: The Millenium Tales
It sounds like a great game, but after reading multiple reviews I have decided that this is a “wait for a sale” game for me personally. I’m looking forward to playing it when the time comes.
Re: Review: The Adventures Of Elliot: The Millennium Tales (Switch 2) - An Emotional Journey Through Space And Time
This is what I kind of expected the game to be which is a good thing. The performance issues don’t concern me much. That said, I’m debating on the Switch 2 version, or the PS5. It sounds like the latter for the overall performance, and I do like my trophies.
Re: Feature: Game Of The Decade Staff Picks - The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
6 years later, and I still think this article is relevant and correct. I’m replaying it now for the 4th or 5th time and it still feels like a vastly different experience each time.
Re: Review: Rise Of The Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration (Switch 2) - The Crown Jewel Of The Survivor Trilogy
This is my favorite Tomb Raider game not only in the modern trilogy, but the entire franchise as a whole. I thought it captured the essence of what TR is, and then made it something more. I’ll probably pick this up on the Switch 2 despite beating the game multiple times over on PS and Xbox.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (13th June)
I’m working on finishing up the platinum for 007 First Light.
Re: Final Fantasy Revelation Will Contain Even More Minigames Than Rebirth
If they are optional then who cares?
Re: Chained Echoes Is Finally Getting Its Physical Release, After Last Attempt Ended In A Lawsuit
@RupeeClock Good to know. Thanks for the heads up!
Re: Chained Echoes Is Finally Getting Its Physical Release, After Last Attempt Ended In A Lawsuit
I don’t buy physical games anymore, but this is one of my favorite RPGs in the last decade, and that box art is gorgeous. I think I’ll pick this up!
Re: Hands On: 'Xenoblade Chronicles' On Switch 2 Is A Nice Improvement Over 'X'
@Duncanballs Agreed. It’s an incredible game, and well worth the money. I don’t care how old a game is, it’s still worth its value.
Re: Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Storms Onto Switch 2 Later This Year
Awesome game; excited for the port!
Re: Lies Of P's Soulslike Puppetry Comes To Switch 2 This August
Day one for me; love this game.
Re: Onimusha: Way Of The Sword & Dragon's Dogma 2 Coming To Switch 2 This Year
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is one of my favorite games of all time, and especially this generation. Having this on the Switch 2 is a dream come true for me — it looks excellent.
Re: Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave Is Yet Another September Release
Great showing; terrible release date! Nonetheless, it looks fantastic, and I can’t wait.
Re: Zelda: Ocarina Of Time Remake Is Real, And It's Launching This Year
I wish this wasn’t at the end of the show since there was no snippet of gameplay. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great ender, but not much can be gleaned. I figured with a 2026 release date they would show some footage. I’m sure we will get a direct solely for this game soon, though.
Re: Xenoblade Chronicles 1, 2, And 3 Are All Getting Nintendo Switch 2 Editions
I’m so stoked. I’ll definitely be replaying Xenoblade Chronicles, I just wasn’t expecting to do so this soon! Glad to be wrong!
Re: Xenoblade Genesis Announced For Switch 2, Launching 2027
This looks different but good. I’ll always take more Xenoblade—it’s one of my favorite franchises.
Re: Talking Point: Nintendo Direct June 2026 Predictions - What Do You Hope To See?
I would like to see more ports make there way over. First and foremost, Metaphor ReFantazio. Then Silent Hill 2, Dragon’s Dogma 2, Stellar Blade, and Claire Obscur.
Other than that, I’d like to see more gameplay from the new Fire Emblem, along with a release date. Perhaps a new Xenoblade game. And, of course, a new 3D Mario game.
I think we will see OOT remake, but not much else Zelda wise. I’ve given up hope of a Twilight Princess remaster. One game I would LOVE to see even though it won’t happen, at least any time soon, is Baldur’s Gate 3. I know we got news last year saying it’s unlikely, but man, I would love to have that game portably.
Re: One Of 2025's Best Games Is Getting A 'Nintendo Switch 2 Edition' This Month
This only reminds me that I need to play this series. I’ve had them downloaded for a while, but always forget about them.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (6th June)
I finally got 100% in LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. It was excellent and immersive. The Riddler and Cluemaster puzzles were a grind. I’m glad the game is over. That said, it has gotten me back into the world of comics, and now I’m reading several Batman stories.
I also finished Mina the Hollower. After some reflection, I consider it better than Shovel Knight which is no easy task. It’s easily one of the most charming Zelda-likes I’ve ever played. The amount of secrets to uncover, from hidden bosses, new locations, additional weapons, trinkets and more, each frame features something unique if you pay attention.
The comparison to Bloodborne is hard to understand. If it’s referring to difficulty, then maybe there is an argument for that. However, if we are going to compare it to a FromSoft game then I think Elden Ring is the appropriate choice. There are several subtle nods and (secrets?) moments in Mina that are reminiscent of various secrets in ER.
And now, according to the developers, many people are missing out on approximately 50% of the game. I have an item that tracks your collectibles per location, but I’m really intrigued if there is even more to unearth if you experiment.
I now have 007 First Light on the docket, but I’m not entirely in the mood to play it at the moment. In the same vein, however, I downloaded Hitman: Blood Money on the Nintendo Switch 2. It’s one of the rare games in the franchise that I haven’t played. I’m not very far, but what I’ve played has been fun, albeit archaic in its mechanics. Nonetheless, that’s sort of to be expected. And with the announcement of the original trilogy being remastered, I’m even more enthralled to be immersed in this world of Agent 47.
Re: Final Fantasy VII Revelation Officially Unveiled For Switch 2, Out Spring 2027
This will be day one. Which console will be another matter. But this does look incredible.
Re: New Elden Ring Footage Seemingly Showcases Switch 2 Performance, And It Looks Good
Looking pretty solid. Hopefully it can remain consistent.
Re: Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition Will Finally Rise On Switch 2 This August
@UltimateOtaku91 Probably “trust me, bro”. There is no way Switch 2 can’t run Lego Batman with all of its content. It’s not that demanding, particularly when you have Cyberpunk 2077 and Rebirth out running well.
Re: Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition Will Finally Rise On Switch 2 This August
Oh, thank goodnsss, I thought it would be another September release.
Re: LEGO Batman: Legacy Of The Dark Knight Finally Punches Up Switch 2 Release Date
Great game! I’m on the last stretch of getting all of the achievements on the Series X. I may double dip!
Re: Round Up: The Reviews Are In For Final Fantasy VII Rebirth On Switch 2
It sounds like a real success on the Switch 2. I’m not too worried about graphical and technical issues because it seems to hold up well. I’ll definitely be playing this tomorrow on the go.
Re: Round Up: The First Previews Are In For Star Fox On Switch 2
It sounds like it’s going to be a 7/10 kinda game, which is perfect for me. I’m really looking forward to playing this game soon.
Re: Review: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (Switch 2) - Some Rough Edges, But Still A Great Game
Once I can pull myself away from Mina the Hollower and LRGO Batman Legacy of the Dark Knight, I will be jumping into Rebirth. I loved it when it came on the PS5, but I’ve been itching for a replay.
Re: Review: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (Switch 2) - Some Rough Edges, But Still A Great Game
@Lucius6 That’s subjective. I think it’s excellent, and so do many others. It has the perfect blend of turn based and hack and slash. It does it really well, I think.
Re: Poll: So, Will You Be Getting Final Fantasy VII Rebirth For Switch 2?
I already have it preordered and downloaded. I loved my time with it on PS5, but I’m looking forward to playing it on handheld.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (30th May)
I finished the main campaign in LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. It was fantastic from start to finish. I’m now slowly grinding and chipping away at the remaining collectibles to get 100%. I play for maybe 30-minutes a day to mop them up.
But what I want to really talk about most is Mina the Hollower, my most anticipated game in the last three years. I ignored reading reviews (though I did see the scores), only watched the first reveal trailer, and went in completely blind. Boy, my expectations were met and more.
I’m a few hours in, a couple of dungeons and bosses down, and I feel as if I’m only scratching the surface as to what this game actually **is**. It’s the perfect blend of 2D Zelda titles, and Soulslike difficulty. The checkpoints can be unforgiving, and if you die you lose your “bones” unless you collect them back after your death. This may turn people away — understandably, might I add — and it caught me off guard.
If you are willing, there are a ton of modifiers to help make the game easier. Some of these options don’t feel like cheating, or making your playthrough feel less than. For example, you can turn on the ability to heal faster.
The moment to moment gameplay feels fantastic, as does the handful of weapons. I’ve tinkered around with a few and settled on the hammer, but I do enjoy the Castlevania-esque whip. The RPG-lite elements are a nice touch, too. Leveling up your weapons, gear, and other trinkets creates a layer of depth that has tons of options for unique builds.
Meanwhile, exploration is consistently rewarding. Being a mouse and using its abilities such as burrowing is such a fun element to incorporate not only in its combat, but exploration. I’ve discovered numerous of secrets so far, some of obvious, while others are challenging. Mina has that rare feat where when you uncover a secret you feel as if you’re the first person to do so.
As mentioned, I’m only a few hours in so I can’t really go in depth with an analysis of the game. With what I have experienced so far, I can say it’s shaping up to be my GOTY. Whether or not that will change the further I progress is to be determined. But right now, I can confidently say Yacht Club has burrowed it out of the park again.
Re: Review: Mina The Hollower - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (Switch 2) - Yacht Club Is Back With Another Masterful Love Letter
Hell yes! Awesome review! I’ll be picking this up as soon as possible. It’s been one of my most anticipated games for years and I’m glad to see it delivers.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (23rd May)
I’m playing LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. I was hesitant on buying this game. My usual experience goes as follows: one half of my brain tells me to buy [these games] because it sounds fun whilst the other half says I won’t play for that long and move on to something else. Of course, I buy them and lose interest within thirty minutes.
Here I am again, being irrational with my purchase. Miraculously, my experience has been drastically different from prior experiences. I quite literally can’t stop playing. I’ve put in 15 hours already.
The first thing that stood out to me and has yet to falter is how charming the game is, not only from its game world, but the characters and their animations. I have genuinely laughed multiple times throughout my experience. It has brought out my inner kid, and makes me realize games are meant to be fun and entertaining, not always about trophies and achievements.
Gotham City itself is a story all on its own. It’s a gorgeous world to explore, and trust me, it’s massive. There are a myriad of random activities to partake in—stopping crime, of course, solving Riddler puzzles (some are actually challenging), tracking down zoo animals that have been running amok, racing trials, and a lot more.
You can also go to your Batcave at any point in time. Here you can upgrade your hideout and expand its capabilities. You’ll be able to buy nearly every iteration of the Batmobile, but also vehicles used by other characters in the bat-verse. You can upgrade your arsenal, cash in on completed challenges, open up a shop where you can buy various items for your hideout. You can also buy or unlock over 100 costumes for your character(s), paying homage to its illustrious history.
Speaking of paying its respect to its long standing history, this game is essentially a collection of the Nolan universe, and follows that trilogy. However, it takes its own liberties and remixes things to add much more fun nuances. I was initially surprised, but it’s been a welcome addition.
Of course, you can’t mention Batman without synonymously mentioning combat and detective work. I’m thrilled to report that both are a main focus, and are very fun. It’s essentially the Arkham games in a LEGO skin. The combat is free flowing and works well in each environment you’re fighting in. You will also use various tools at your disposal to unlock new areas, track down suspects, and get the advantage on your enemies. The only downside is that combat can be trivially easy. It basically becomes a button mash romp, and it can get repetitive quickly. Nonetheless, the game still manages to be fun amidst its own monotony which is a huge compliment.
Ultimately, if you are a fan of the Arkham trilogy then you should feel right at home with this entry. It is essentially a new entry in that universe, but in a LEGO skin. Yes, it’s still a “kid’s” game, but it’s much more than that. Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is not only a great Batman game, but a great game in general that should be played by a wide audience. This Batman symbol shines bright.
Re: Review: Tales Of Arise - Beyond The Dawn Edition (Switch 2) - Solid Game, Solid Port, Goes On A Bit
I forgot this was releasing soon! Great review, though I disagree about the story losing its momentum. Regardless, I’m glad to see it’s a pretty solid port. I’m looking forward to playing this.
Re: Round Up: The Reviews For Lego Batman: Legacy Of The Dark Knight Are In
I’ve been playing on my Series X and haven’t had an issue. This game is truly great, and fun. It’s the only LEGO game that has ever held my attention longer than ten minutes. I’m looking forward to 100%’ing it. I may double dip for the Switch 2 if it performs well on the console.
Re: First Silksong, Now Mina The Hollower Is Causing Other Indie Devs To Delay Their Games
I think this may be a good idea. Mina may not have the amount of eyes that Silksong had, but it’s still a hotly anticipated game from a renowned developer even if they only have one true game. And from all the previews, it’s apparent Mina will live up to the hype.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (16th May)
I’m wrapping up my first playthrough of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. It’s still an excellent sequel. I’m excited to see what the third installment entails. However, I am kind of pissed, because the game is buggy as hell. If you’re hunting down achievements/trophies, it can be a real nuisance.
Other than that, I’ve been contemplating buying an Xbox ROG Ally X, the $550.00 version. I have been doing my research, and the Xbox Play Anywhere is very compelling. The list of games that I own or am interested in is part of this feature. I really like the idea of taking my achievements on the go. But man, that price is really damaging; ha-ha. I hear it’s an incredible device and worth the money.
Re: Review: Indiana Jones And The Great Circle (Switch 2) - An Authentic Indy Adventure Arrives In Fine Form
Glad to see this review well on the Switch 2. I really, really enjoyed my time with it on the Xbox.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (9th May)
I’m playing Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (Xbox Series X). It’s been a fantastic experience, and one of the rare Star Wars stories that is genuinely great. I’m working on getting all achievements—by this time 007 First Light and Mina The Hollower should be released.
Re: Mina The Hollower Finally Lands On Switch 1 & 2 In Just A Few Weeks
It’s about damn time. I cannot wait to finally play this. I think it’ll live up to the hype.
Re: Video: 15 Exciting Games Coming To Switch 1 & 2 In May 2026
Indiana Jones and Tales of Arise are the only games I’m interested in for the month of May.